I just got back from Barcelona for my one year wedding anniversary. We were there for about 2 and a half days and I thought that was enough time to do everything we wanted to do but I certainly would not have complained if we had stayed longer. I could spend weeks just lounging on the beach!
It did not seem overcrowded to me – it was busy but the only places that seemed annoyingly crowded were Las Ramblas and the street where the Picasso Museum is (because there was a HUGE queue to get into the museum so anyone wanting to go there should get there early). Even the beach did not seem too bad – I’ve been to beaches even more crowded so it could have been worse.
My only main complaint would be the smell. I know that in all cities you are bound to come across a waffe here and there of that raw sewage smell but Barcelona was the worst – it seemed to be everywhere! I couldn’t go more than a block or 2 without the smell hitting me. The heat most likely makes it worse but still, I’ve been to other hot weathered cities without the sewage smell occuring so often. One evening, it even stank up the hotel lobby – the breeze was obviously blowing the smell in but not blowing it back out again.
We did not have a problem with pickpocketing. I’m not doubting that there are problems with it but I think for the most part, if you just pay attention to your belongings, you should be okay. We were warned that Prague was well known for pickpocketing as well and didn’t have a problem there either. Be especially careful about getting drunk since this makes you a bigger target for theft. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket either – leave some of your money and credit cards at your hotel room (put them in the safe if there is one in the room) so that if your wallet or purse does get stolen, you still have money and credit cards as backup for the rest of the trip. Naturally, don’t carry open purses or bags and if possible, wear your purse or bag strap across your body so it can’t just be pulled off your shoulder or out of your hand. Be wary of anyone that approaches you (they could be distracting you while trying to steal something).
Overall, I enjoyed my time there – I enjoyed both the tourism and the beach. We also took a catamaran ride which was very relaxing. I love the mediterranean atmosphere and one of my favorite moments was eating dinner at a restaurant on the marina while the sun was going down – it was beautiful.
The downside to all our touring was that we walked so much, my feet now have blisters on them! But it was worth it.